‘Microbiological Culture of an Eight Year Old’s Handprint After Playing Outside’
A compelling image of a handprint in a petri dish circulated across social media again and again.
Trump ‘Peekaboo’ Truth Social Post
Screenshots of a post attributed to Donald Trump, using a soundalike substitute slur, circulated on social media in September 2022.
Russia ‘Traffic Jam at the Finnish Border’ Video
News that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had ordered “mobilization” of Russian citizens popularized a video of a purported traffic jam at Russia’s border with Finland.
California Attorney General Seizes Control of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Investigation of Local Officials
Rob Bontas’ office said Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s actions had “raised serious questions.”
Florida Gov. DeSantis Sued for ‘Fraudulent and Illegal Scheme’ Against Immigrants
The governor also faces an investigation from a Texas sheriff for shipping around fifty migrants to Martha’s Vineyard.
‘NyQuil Chicken Challenge,’ Explained
In September 2022, the FDA warned against “NyQuil chicken,” purportedly due to a TikTok “challenge” or “trend.”
Georgia ‘Fake Elector’ Had More Access to Voting Equipment Than Previously Reported
Details about slates of “fake electors,” one of several ploys to disrupt the 2020 election, continued to emerge in September 2022.
Did Judy Garland Raise Money for the Civil Rights Movement?
A journalist’s post brought the actor and singer’s activism back to light.
Puerto Rico Bridge Washed Away During Hurricane Fiona
As Hurricane Fiona battered Puerto Rico, news about the storm was drowned out by coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Not ‘Over’
During a September 2022 60 Minutes interview, U.S. President Joe Biden said “the pandemic is over” — leading to a flurry of commentary and pushback from public health experts.